12th Street Rag Cover Image

12th Street Rag: Piano Duo (2 Pianos, 4 Hands) Sheet (2 copies included)

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12th Street Rag Cover Image

12th Street Rag: Piano Duo (2 Pianos, 4 Hands) Sheet (2 copies included)

By Euday Bowman / arr. Geoff Haydon and Jim Lyke

Level: Late Intermediate

Item: 00-21352

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Description
Geoff Haydon and Jim Lyke bring this well-known ragtime solo by Euday Bowman to life again in their two-piano arrangement. The melody is expertly divided between the two pianos and requires careful attention to the syncopation. The jump bass accompaniment typical to this style of music is perfect for dividing between the hands. The bright, swing tempo captures the character and spirit of ragtime making this an arrangement that will delight both listeners and performers alike. A Federation Festivals 2024-2028 selection.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, 12th Street Rag: Piano Duo (2 Pianos, 4 Hands) Sheet (2 copies included) comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: The Alfred Ensemble Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 8
ISBN10: 0-7390-2988-6
ISBN13: 978-0-7390-2988-6
UPC: 038081204949
SKU: 00-21352

More about this title

About the Composer: Euday Bowman

Euday Bowman (1887-1949) stands as a pivotal figure in American ragtime composition, though his name often remains overshadowed by his more celebrated contemporaries. Working during the height of the ragtime era, Bowman created pieces that captured the infectious energy and rhythmic sophistication of the style, with 12th Street Rag becoming one of his most enduring contributions to the repertoire.

Bowman's compositions demonstrate a mastery of syncopated melody and accompaniment patterns that defined the ragtime aesthetic. His works remain valuable teaching tools for pianists learning to navigate the stylistic demands of early twentieth-century American popular music, offering insight into how composers of that era balanced technical challenge with immediate appeal.

Why we love this

This arrangement transforms a solo ragtime classic into a genuinely engaging ensemble experience without sacrificing the style's essential character. Lyke and Haydon have distributed the melody intelligently between the two pianos, creating natural dialogue while keeping the rhythmic vitality of the original intact. The result is a piece that gives pianists at the late intermediate level real musical collaboration to develop, not just technical busy work.

What to expect

The piece sparkles with the infectious rhythmic energy ragtime is known for, with syncopated melodies dancing across both pianos in a constant exchange. There's a sense of playful momentum throughout, driven by the propulsive jump bass patterns and the bright, articulate character that makes ragtime feel so alive and immediate.

Who it's for

Two pianists at the late intermediate level who want to experience ensemble playing with a piece that is accessible yet musically substantial. This works beautifully for studio pairs preparing for a recital or young pianists in group lesson settings who need authentic duet repertoire.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the jump bass crisp and rhythmically precise; treat it as your steady pulse rather than accompaniment filler. Even slight variations in attack will disrupt the ragtime feel.
  • Balance the melodic line between pianos so one voice doesn't dominate. The dialogue between the two parts is what makes this arrangement special.
  • Lean into the syncopation without rushing. Ragtime feels its best when the off-beat figures land cleanly against a steady underlying pulse.
  • Coordinate pedal changes between both pianists, especially during section transitions, to maintain clarity through the bright swing tempo.

How to use it

Program this as a standout duet feature on a recital or studio showcase where you want to highlight your pianists' rhythmic sophistication and ability to balance ensemble parts. Its Federation Festivals selection status also makes it a strong choice for preparing duet teams for competitive or festival performance.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and executing syncopated rhythms with precision
  • Coordinating articulation and balance between two independent piano parts
  • Understanding ragtime accompaniment patterns and the jump bass technique
  • Developing rhythmic independence while maintaining ensemble unity
  • Pedaling coordination in a two-piano context

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